ІНСТИТУЦІЙНЕ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ УПРАВЛІННЯ ПОБУТОВИМИ ВІДХОДАМИ

Abstract

The article examines the main results of the legislative reform in Ukraineʼs municipal waste management sector. It identifies key issues hindering the effective implementation of new legislative norms, such as bureaucratic obstacles, insufficient funding, and the ongoing war. The roles of the national, regional, and local levels of government in the municipal waste management process are analyzed, highlighting the necessity of their interaction. The importance of coordinating actions among all stakeholders to ensure sustainable development and effective municipal waste management is emphasized. Ukraine’s Constitution, adopted in 1996, laid the foundation for a legal state and established fundamental principles of environmental safety, including the right to a safe environment and the state’s duty to maintain ecological balance. However, the previous Waste Management Law, despite being in effect for over 20 years, was ineffective due to a lack of systematic approach, poor coordination, and outdated infrastructure. In response to these challenges, the government initiated a comprehensive legislative reform to align with European standards and improve coordination. The new Waste Management Law, adopted in 2023, aims to address these issues. However, many necessary changes are still in progress, delayed by bureaucratic obstacles and the ongoing war, which has shifted government priorities towards national security. A critical challenge remains the coordination of actions between different levels of government and waste management entities. Effective waste management requires close interaction between national, regional, and local levels, encompassing infrastructure development, waste collection, transportation, and resource allocation. Such coordination is crucial for achieving sustainable development and environmental safety in Ukraine. The article underscores the need for special procedures to accelerate the approval of critically important environmental legislation. While international organizations often push necessary decisions, aligning national strategies with European integration and funding conditions, the active role of national, regional, and local authorities is essential. Improved cooperation and communication among all levels of government and stakeholders can significantly enhance the efficiency of municipal waste management systems in Ukraine.